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Did You Know?
In 2006/7 one billion and 164 million journeys were made (more than in any year since 1958) and a total of 46.5 billion passenger kilometres travelled (the highest since 1946).
Britain’s rail network comprises 16,116 route kilometres, over 2,500 stations, 40,000 bridges and tunnels, and 9000 level crossings.
Over half a million journeys were made by overseas tourists in 2005, generating in excess of £20 million revenue.
Information About National Rail
Although British Rail was split into 25 separate franchised train operating companies (now 20) by privatisation, the benefits of the national network were retained and have been further built on by the passenger train operating companies.
In addition to what each offers its own customers, the operators provide a range of network benefits through ATOC, under the banner of 'National Rail', which includes the familiar "double arrow" logo that has signified access to the British railway network since the 1960s.
Benefits include a number of Railcard schemes that offer substantial fare reductions, publication of national timetables and Conditions of Carriage and Byelaws, the co-ordination of assistance for disabled passengers and others needing help with their journeys and access to accurate and impartial information about services and fares. ATOC also manages the complex arrangements for the allocation and settlement of ticket revenue between train operators.
Information
National Rail Enquiries handle an average of 625,000 calls a week from people seeking information about fares and timetables.
In addition extensive information is available through the National Rail web site, which also provides links to train operators' sites and those of other organisations involved in railways throughout the UK and mainland Europe.
Railcards
Discounts on most ticket types are available with Railcards through a number of schemes administered by ATOC for the operators. Railcard holders can be eligible for discounts of up to one-third on many rail journeys. They include:
- senior citizens
- young people
- families
- disabled people
- HM Forces and their families
- off-peak travellers and annual season ticket holders in south east England
- young unemployed people.
There are more than 2.2 million Railcards now in use providing discounted price travel, and the number is growing.
In addition to what each offers its own customers, the operators provide a range of network benefits through ATOC, under the banner of 'National Rail', which includes the familiar "double arrow" logo that has signified access to the British railway network since the 1960s.
Benefits include a number of Railcard schemes that offer substantial fare reductions, publication of national timetables and Conditions of Carriage and Byelaws, the co-ordination of assistance for disabled passengers and others needing help with their journeys and access to accurate and impartial information about services and fares. ATOC also manages the complex arrangements for the allocation and settlement of ticket revenue between train operators.
Information
National Rail Enquiries handle an average of 625,000 calls a week from people seeking information about fares and timetables.
In addition extensive information is available through the National Rail web site, which also provides links to train operators' sites and those of other organisations involved in railways throughout the UK and mainland Europe.
Railcards
Discounts on most ticket types are available with Railcards through a number of schemes administered by ATOC for the operators. Railcard holders can be eligible for discounts of up to one-third on many rail journeys. They include:
- senior citizens
- young people
- families
- disabled people
- HM Forces and their families
- off-peak travellers and annual season ticket holders in south east England
- young unemployed people.
There are more than 2.2 million Railcards now in use providing discounted price travel, and the number is growing.
